No more 'weird' buildings: Is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture?

Updated 8:59 PM ET, Fri July 1, 2016

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Is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture? – For years, China has been an architect's playground, with lucrative funding and interest in foreign 'starchitects' giving rise to imaginative buildings. In 2016, China's State Council released new urban planning guidelines. According to the document, "odd-shaped' buildings" -- or "bizarre architecture that is not economical, function, aesthetically pleasing or environmentally friendly" would be forbidden in the future. The document follows a 2014 call by Chinese President Xi Jinping for less "weird architecture" to be built.

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Photos:Related: No more 'weird' buildings, is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture?

Chinese architecture: Spectacular, or weird? – Memorable architectural designs, already built in China, include the Guangzhou Circle, home to the Guangdong Plastic Exchange. According to Italian architecture firm A.M. Progetti, the design is inspired by ancient jade discs.

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Photos:Related: No more 'weird' buildings, is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture?

Chinese architecture: Spectacular, or weird? – The CCTV headquarters, located in Beijing, was designed by OMA. It's nicknamed "big pants" by locals for its resemblance to trousers.

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Photos:Related: No more 'weird' buildings, is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture?

Is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture? – The building opened in 2008 in Beijing's Central Business District.

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Chinese architecture: Spectacular, or weird? – Beijing residents poked fun at The People's Daily Headquarters in Beijing while it was under construction. A doctored photo of the phallic building, superimposed under the CCTV 'pants' building, went viral on the Internet before censors removed the images.

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Is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture? – The Phoenix Towers are planned for construction in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province. The towers will be one kilometer high, and are scheduled for completion by 2017 or 2018.

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Chinese architecture: Spectacular, or weird? – The Gate of the Orient in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, stands more than 300 meters tall and has been compared to a pair of long johns.

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Chinese architecture: Spectacular, or weird? – The Sunrise Kempinski Hotel on Beijing's Yanqi Lake has a private marina and is lit up by hydroelectric-powered LED lights.

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Is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture? – This building, by Zaha Hadid Architects, is the fifth hotel tower of Macau's sprawling City of Dreams complex. It is meant to evoke an abstract lucky number 8.

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Chinese architecture: Spectacular, or weird? – Zaha Hadid Architects also built the Galaxy SOHO building in Beijing.

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Is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture? – Zaha Hadid's signature style has been imitated in other provinces in the country. This building in China's Chongqing district has a striking resemblance to architect's work.

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Chinese architecture: Spectacular, or weird? – A horseshoe may be seen as lucky for some and comedic fodder for others. The $1.5 billion Sheraton in Huzhou, Zhejiang province is famed for its unusual design. The area was also the location for scenes from Oscar-winning movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

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Is this the end of ambitious Chinese architecture? – Opened in 2013, Langham Place's exterior is designed to resemble unfolding wings in action, "evoking a sense of freedom and space," according to a hotel spokesperson. It also has Guangzhou's biggest ballroom.

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Chinese architecture: Spectacular, or weird? – The city of Ordos is commonly referred to as a "Ghost Town" due to its lack of people. Here is a view of the City Library and the Ordos Museum building.

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China has called for less "weird architecture" to be built in the country. Does it mean the end of unusual structures like these?